Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1896 — The Use of The Rand or "Baby” Separator on the Farm. [ARTICLE]

The Use of The Rand or "Baby” Separator on the Farm.

(Purdue'University Agricultural Experiment Station.) During the past few months numerous communications to this station indicate that Indiana farmer are becoming muck interested in the use of hand separators on the fann. Many wish to know if it will pay them to buy such a machine, to replace hand skimming of milk, r The hand separator consists of a small metal bowl, which is revolved with great rapidity by means of cog wheel connections. Milk turned into the bowl separates into skim mjlk which accumulates in the outer portion of the bow), and cream, which gathers near the center. As ter the separation in the bowl, the cream and skim inilk escapes from it, through outlets into seperate tubes, from which they are conducted into cans. This action of separation is continuous so long as the bowl is revolving at suitable speed. Separators are now commonly sold on the market, that do satisfactory work, practically removing all of the butter fat from the milk. On the average farm, probably every 100 pounds of skimmed milk secured by the old fashioned methods, contains from one-fourth to one-half pound of fat. More is left iu the milk than farmets are often aware of. The properly run Separator removes nearly all, if not all of this.

The writer believes that every peison who keeps fire or more cows, with the object of making as much butter from them as possible, who makes gilt edge butter, and who is interested in progressive dairying, would find in the hand separator a money-making machine. Other people are likely to be disappointed if they buy a hand separator. The following are some of the important arguments in favor of this separator. Tt effectually skims the milk, thereby saving all the cream or fat. Where impurities have fallen into the milk, such as hairs, dirt, manure, etc., the separator removes them, so that their influence on the cream is much diminished. In summer separator cream is free from milk curds, which often occur in cream skimmed by hand and cause trouble in butter making. The separator is also a labor saving device when one becomes familiar with its use and care. The necessity for caring for many pans and cans is done away with in a large degree.

There are several excellent forms of separators on the market. Prices vary according to size and make, ranging from $65.00 up, for firstclass machines. For the above price a machine can be bought-that will separate 176 pounds in an hour. A popular and standard size, which sells $125.00 will skim 350 pounds of milk per hour. Such a machine is used at this Station and gives* perfect satisfaction. The amount of force required to run a band separator is not great enough to tire an average man seriously. The use of the tread power is, however, becoming extensive. Small dog or sheep powers are made, soiling for $l5O 00 or so, that are used for running hand separators, and a larger tread power, suitable for small bulls or ponies, is also used. C. S. Plumb, Director.